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We are often on the lookout for simple salads, especially for BBQs, family functions, and holidays, and this broccoli cauliflower salad is perfect for the occasion!
We have been long-time fans of our classic Broccoli Salad, but with the addition of cauliflower and cheese cubes, we are even MORE in love. Not only is it bright, fresh, and crunchy – it’s simple and absolutely delicious.
The homemade dressing is what takes it to the next level. It’s light and creamy with a hint of sweetness for the perfect flavor combination.
Each ingredient has its own tasty texture and flavor that makes this side dish perfect for your next get-together! Pair this with our favorite Hamburger recipe or Baby Back Ribs, and you’re set!
Why we think you’ll love it:
- Perfect for potlucks. It stores very well, and the flavors get better as it sits!
- So much flavor. Each ingredient in this easy salad has its own tasty texture and flavor that makes this salad perfect for your next get-together.
- Dress it up or down. Feel free to add or omit any ingredients you want or don’t want, but we loved this combination.
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Ingredients
- 12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled – Use more or less bacon to taste. See Bacon in the Oven or use store-bought bacon bits.
- 1 head fresh broccoli, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped
- ½ red onion, diced – or use green onion for milder flavor
- ¾ cup sunflower seeds
- 1 cup cubed cheese – We used Colby Jack cheese cubes, but mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, or Monterey Jack cheese can be used.
- ¾ cup light mayo – or full-fat mayonnaise, Miracle Whip or plain greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, or salad vinegar – or apple cider vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon salt – You can also sprinkle with black pepper to taste.
- optional mix-ins – sliced almonds, chopped walnuts or pecans, dried cranberries, raisins, boiled egg, or chopped apples
How to Make Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
- SALAD. In a large bowl, combine the cooked and crumbled bacon, chopped cauliflower florets, chopped broccoli florets, red onion, cubed cheese, and sunflower seeds.
- DRESSING. In a small bowl, whisk light mayo, sugar, red wine vinegar, and salt. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Chill in the refrigerator before serving and enjoy!
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Chop the ingredients into even-sized pieces so that each bite has a good balance of all the ingredients.
- Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes will help all the flavors meld perfectly, plus we prefer it cold.
- Make sure to cook the bacon until it is crispy so that it will retain its delicious crunch even when coated with dressing. We love to cook our bacon in the oven.
- Toss in sliced almonds, chopped walnuts or pecans, dried cranberries, raisins, boiled egg, or chopped apples.
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 head fresh broccoli, diced
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped
- ½ red onion, diced
- ¾ cup sunflower seeds
- 1 cup cubed cheese
- ¾ cup light mayo
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, or salad vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the crumbled bacon, cauliflower, broccoli, onion, cheese, and sunflower seeds.
- In a small bowl, whisk the mayo, sugar, vinegar, and salt. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Refrigerate before serving.
Video
Notes
- Chop the ingredients into even-sized pieces so that each bite has a good balance of all the ingredients.
- Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes will help all the flavors meld perfectly.
- Make sure to cook the bacon until it is crispy so that it will retain its delicious crunch even when coated with dressing.
- Toss in some sliced almonds, chopped walnuts or pecans, dried cranberries, raisins, boiled egg, or chopped apples.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
To make this salad more keto-friendly, use full-fat mayo and replace the sugar with a substitute sweetener.
Prepare just the dressing and chop all the ingredients ahead of time. Keep in separate containers in the fridge until ready to assemble.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Complete The Meal
Main Dish
Dr. Pepper Ribs
3 hrs 15 mins
Flat Iron Steak Recipe
2 hrs 35 mins
Crock Pot Brisket
8 hrs 5 mins
Ranch Chicken
45 mins
Desserts
Dessert Parfait
1 hr 10 mins
Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
40 mins
Fruit Pizza
30 mins
Lemon Lasagna
1 hr 10 mins
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This recipe was originally published February 2019.
It looks awesome yum
I made it and it was wonderful. Especially doing it tge day before and letting it marinate all together. Very delicious. I did leave out the sunflower seeds and replaced with raisins. *****
That’s a fun substitution! Thanks for sharing what you did. I’m glad you enjoyed the salad!
One.of my favorite summer salads. I added fresh peas!
Yummy! So glad you enjoyed it!
I made this and it was good. I cut the bacon to six slices. 12 was way too many for us. I added dried cranberries and walnuts to the original recipe and its a keeper!
This is my favorite side to bring to potlucks! It is always a hit.